Folic Acid Use in Female Patients with Epilepsy of Child Bearing Age Can Be Assoicated with Symptomatic B12 Deficiency.
Abstract number :
3.234
Submission category :
Year :
2001
Submission ID :
3103
Source :
www.aesnet.org
Presentation date :
12/1/2001 12:00:00 AM
Published date :
Dec 1, 2001, 06:00 AM
Authors :
J.F. Drazkowski, M.D., Neurology, Barrow Neurologic Institute, Phoenix, AZ; D. Blum, M.D., Neurology, Barrow Neurologic Institute, Phoenix, AZ
RATIONALE: Female patients of child bearing age are often supplemented with folic acid with the intent of preventing certain birth defects. The optimal dosing of folic acid remains to be determined. B12 deficiency may present in various ways.
METHODS: We reviewed the electronic medical records of women with epilepsy in our institutions Epilepsy specialty clinic. Patients records which indicated being tested and treated for B12 deficiency and who were taking supplemental folic acid were identified.
RESULTS: Four patients were identified with low B12 and elevated methymalonic acid levels. All three patents were symptomatic from low B12. All patients were being supplemented with folic acid. Complaints of memory loss, unsteady gait, paresthesia, fatigue and headache. None had anemia or macrocytosis. Symptoms were generally mild to moderate and reversed slowly with supplementation.
CONCLUSIONS: Female patients with epilepsy can develop symptomatic B12 deficiency while being supplemened with folic acid. The optimal dose of folic acid remains to be determined. Treating physicians should have a high index of suspicion of B12 deficiency in patients receiving folate, and should consider early testing in appropriate cases.
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